Nigerian President Buhari on
Monday in Abuja signed Executive Order 5 to improve local content in
public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.
The
Executive Order is expected to promote the application of science,
technology and innovation towards achieving the nation’s development
goals across all sectors of the economy.
The president, pursuant
to the authority vested in him by the constitution, ordered that all
‘‘procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and
firms in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act
2007.’’
The Executive Order also prohibits the Ministry of
Interior from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily
available in Nigeria.
It, however, notes that where expertise is
lacking, procuring entities will give preference to foreign companies
and firms with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous
development, prior to the award of such contracts.
In the
proclamation entitled ‘‘Presidential executive order 5 for planning and
execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts and
science, engineering and technology,’’ the president also directed
Ministries, Departments and Agencies to engage indigenous professionals
in the planning, design and execution of national security projects.
It
adds that ‘‘consideration shall only be given to a foreign
professional, where it is certified by the appropriate authority that
such expertise is not available in Nigeria.
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